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Trips to both Tibet and India can deliver extraordinary cultural and scenic experiences unlike those in any other place in the world. High in the Himalayan Mountains, Tibet's awe-inspiring scenery and Buddhist temples draw tourists from around the globe. And India, a massive melting pot of different cultures and religions, offers stunning cultural and religious sites. If you're looking to take in the best of both of these neighboring countries, you may be interested in signing up for an organized tour.

Tour Agencies

A handful of tour agencies specialize in providing Indian and Tibetan combination tours that allow visitors to experience the highlights of both countries. This is especially helpful considering the difficulties tourists may encounter gaining entry into Tibet. Indian Holiday, Travel Spirit International and Plan Holidays Travels & Tours are just a few agencies that offer tours of both India and Tibet.

Destinations

Popular Indian destinations you may visit on your tour include the bustling capital city of New Delhi, the serene Kerala backwaters and the beach-filled state of Goa. Common tour destinations in Tibet include the capital city of Lhasa, home to the Ganden, Sera and Drepung monasteries; Zhangmu, which lies in the shadow of Mount Everest; and Shigatse, home of the Palkhor Monastery, Great Kumbum Stupa and one of the largest Tibetan free markets.

Essential Items

As far as clothing goes, you can purchase appropriate Indian attire once you arrive in the country, and typically for very little money. Due to the cool but highly fluctuating weather conditions in Tibet, tourists should bring several layers of light clothing that can be easily added and removed as needed. Visitors to both countries should bring their own first aid kits, as the availability and quality of medical care are nothing like what most Westerners are used to. For travel within India especially, your kit should include iodine tabs for easy water sterilization. If you do not have iodine tabs, always purchase and drink only fully sealed water bottles -- even then, a visual inspection of the water is a good idea.

Visas and Passports

One of the most essential (and expensive) aspects of entering both countries, particularly Tibet, is obtaining the appropriate passports, visas and travel permits. You will need a valid passport and Indian visa prior to entering India. For Tibet, you will need a passport, visa and alien travel permit to enter the country. In addition, the Chinese government allows only tour groups of five or more people to enter. If you do not have at least five in your group and your chosen tour date does not have enough other tourists signed on, most agencies will allow you to choose from a list of scheduled tours that already meet the minimum requirements.

Altitude

One major consideration travelers must take into account when visiting Tibet is its high altitude. While acclimation to high altitudes typically produces only mild symptoms such as headache or shortness of breath, tourists with blood, lung or heart conditions should ask their doctors if they are suited for travelling to altitudes in excess of 12,000 feet above sea level.

Antiques

Exporting antiques (made prior to 1959) from Tibet is strictly prohibited by the Chinese government. Always buy souvenirs in the open market, and never take part in any "back-alley" transactions unless you want your purchases confiscated by customs officials.

Resources

About the Author

Carl Miller has been writing professionally since 2007 and has freelanced for the "Western Oregon Journal." His short fiction has been featured in "Northwest Passage Literature and Arts Review." Miller is an English/writing student at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore. He has worked as a cook, painter, waitperson, custodian, data analyst, retail manager and salesperson.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Images related to India

Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. In India becomes very wide and is called Brahmaputra.

Young Buddhist monks in Tibet.

Prayer and prostration in front of the Jokhang Monastery, the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.

Tibet: An elderly Tibetan women holding a prayer wheel on the Lhasa's pilgrimage circuit of Barkhor. The Barkhor, a quadrangle of streets that surrounds the Jokhang Temple, is both the spiritual heart of the holy city and the main commercial district for Tibetans.

Top: Home cooked lNorthern/Western Indian lunch delivered to the office by the tiffin wallah; Bottom: South Indian thali style dinner